Yadkin Riverkeeper is excited to be a part of the first annual NC Trail Days being held in Elkin and its across-the-river neighbor, Jonesville, May 31 – June 2. NC Trail Days will showcase the Elkin Valley Trail Association’s efforts to develop a network of hiking, biking, paddling and horse trails in and around Elkin, Jonesville and Surry County.

The trail festival will highlight Elkin’s ongoing transition from its manufacturing-based economy to an outdoor recreation and tourism economy, with recreational trails as its foundation. It will feature a Revolutionary War encampment, guided hikes, creek and river cleanups, photography workshops, live music, a low country boil, bike rides, a 5K run/walk, an exhibitor village, fly fishing demos, a Dutch oven cooking competition, art exhibits, speakers and even a parade!

Whew, and those are just the organized events. Attendees are encouraged to bring their bikes, boots and boats to explore the region’s many trails, waterways, parks and wineries on their own. Click here for a Full Schedule of Festival Events.

The Yadkin Riverkeeper will be kicking off its activities in the area on April 19 with an opening reception for Christine Rucker’s Dance for the River Exhibit at the Foothills Art Council. The exhibit will run through May 18 and admission is free.

YRK is working with local community leaders and Watershed NOW NC to organize a river cleanup on May 31 from 11 AM to 5 PM along the river between Ronda and Elkin’s Crater Park. To find out how to volunteer for the cleanup click here.

On Saturday, June 1, we will have our booth with educational activities for the kids and membership materials at the Main Street Exhibitor Village in downtown Elkin from 10 AM to 4 PM. The Village will have food trucks and a beer garden. On Sunday, June 2, YRK members will participate in the Family Paddle Flotilla from Ronda to Crater Park.

As you can see, there’s something for outdoor adventure loving individuals and families of all ages at NC Trail Days. Yadkin Riverkeeper is proud to be a NC Trail Days Partner and we look forward to seeing many of our members and friends in Elkin on this special weekend.